About the Museum

The Royal BC Museum Corporation is one of Canada’s greatest cultural treasures. The museum was founded in 1886; the archives, in 1894. In 2003, these two organizations joined to become British Columbia’s combined provincial museum and archives, collecting artifacts, documents and specimens of British Columbia’s natural and human history, safeguarding them for the future and sharing them with the world.

Through research and learning, we strive to broaden understanding about our province and inspire curiosity and wonder. We are passionate about sharing British Columbia’s story with the millions of visitors who walk through our doors and explore our website each year.

Our collections, research and presentations enable us to tell the stories of British Columbia in ways that enlighten, stimulate and inspire. By exploring our social and environmental history, the Royal BC Museum advances new knowledge and understanding of British Columbia and provides a dynamic forum for discussion and a place for reflection.

Learn more about how the Royal BC Museum supports the Province of BC. 

See our activities around BC at a glance.